Failure to Properly Disinfect Blood Glucose Monitoring Machine Between Uses
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to properly clean a blood glucose monitoring machine between patient uses, as observed during medication administration for one resident. Specifically, an LPN was seen using only an alcohol wipe to clean the glucose meter after checking one resident's blood sugar and was about to use the same machine for another resident without following the manufacturer's recommended disinfecting procedure. The surveyor intervened and instructed the LPN to use a bleach wipe before proceeding. The LPN confirmed she was unaware that a bleach wipe was required for disinfecting the shared glucose meter to prevent bloodborne pathogen transmission. This deficiency affected one resident directly and had the potential to impact two additional residents who also received blood glucose monitoring on the same hallway. The residents involved had significant medical histories, including diabetes mellitus, sepsis, and bilateral lower leg amputations. Facility documentation and manufacturer guidelines specified that the glucose meter must be disinfected with EPA-registered wipes, such as bleach wipes, between uses on different patients to prevent cross-contamination, but this protocol was not followed.